DWI and driving record

A DWI stays on your record forever.  However there is something known as a "look back period".  This is the period of time that the court will look back into your record for sentencing purposes.  In DC the look back period is 15 years.  This means that if you have not had another offense within this time then this current offense will be treated as you first; conversely this also means that a DUI offense committed within 15 years can be used as a prior conviction and used to enhance penalties.